Kent Bush: No chance for real talent on 'American Idol'

Wednesday

Aug 25, 2010 at 12:01 AMAug 25, 2010 at 5:26 PM

"American Idol" is a lot of things. But it is not a talent competition. I personally know the talent level of several people who recently tried out in Austin, Texas, only to be turned away in the early part of the process. It wasn't their fault. They simply had no hook.

Kent Bush

"American Idol" is a lot of things. But it is not a talent competition.

I personally know the talent level of several people who recently tried out in Austin, Texas, only to be turned away in the early part of the process.

It wasn't their fault.

They simply had no hook.

None of them had ever lived in their car, had a conjoined twin or posed nude with midgets. They had no chance to make the cast of "American Idol."

It isn't like they were a shirtless 400-pound man who wore a Texas flag around their necks or sang a catchy rendition of "Pants on the Ground."

They have plenty of talent, but "American Idol" is a show, not a competition.

If you think the people who qualify for the broadcast are the best singers and performers of those who audition, you might also believe that Danny Bonaduce was the best bass guitarist they could find to ride around on the Partridge Family Bus. Maybe you also think Animal from the Muppets is a great drummer. You might also buy into the notion that Snooki is on MTV's Jersey Shore because she is a great actress, or agree with Rush Limbaugh's fourth wife that he is a family-values conservative.

You would be wrong on all counts.

So watch this mind-numbing tripe if you must, but don't encourage your talented friends and neighbors to try out - unless they remind you of a cartoon character with a troubled past.